For those who have had a dental emergency, you already know how agonizing the aches and pains can be. Prolonged toothache or a broken tooth can cause debilitating pain that makes you miss out on work or family gatherings. While dental emergencies happen and may be outside of our control, there are a few easy steps you can take to protect your smile.
Everyday Dental Hygiene
Regular brushing and flossing are the foundation to good oral health. Entrapped food debris attracts bacteria, which can contribute to gum disease, plaque buildup, and eventual tooth decay. Regular check-ups and daily brushing can prevent infections and a visit to the emergency dentist.
Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Another small but important step is replacing your toothbrush once every 4-6 months. When bristles lose their rigidity, they simply become less effective in doing their job. Weak bristles means a weaker brushing experience. It’s worth the few extra dollars to replace your toothbrush and avoid a costly dental emergency.
Mouth Guards
Sometimes, tooth protection can extend beyond brushing and flossing. Athletes often utilize mouth guards to shield their teeth from damage caused by hard hits, which may lead to chips or cracks in the teeth. Many mouth guards are affordable, and their use can prevent the need for costly restorative dentistry and save you significant money.
Meals Matter!
We all know the long term effects of sugary foods and drinks when it comes to your oral health, but other factors can come into play. Sugary foods plus entrapped food particles lead to bacterial overgrowth. When bacteria grow along your teeth, they produce acid that slowly breaks down your enamel. Foods with sticky texture may be harder to brush away. Consuming crunchy, hard foods can make you bite too hard or chew excessively; both of these can lead to a dental emergency such as a chipped tooth.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
At Lamar Dental, we follow the guidance of several dental associations that advise twice a year dental exams and cleanings. Some patients may benefit from three cleanings a year. These dental visits allow us to help remove stubborn plaques that escape regular brushing. Your regular dental visit also allows us to inspect for gum disease or oral pathology. Regular visits help to identify small problems before they become larger, more expensive restorative problems.
Hydration is Key
Dehydration is a common problem for much of the country, especially the elderly. Besides experiencing fatigue and increased risk of kidney stones, maintaining hydration helps you produce sufficient saliva. While saliva is known to help us start food digestion, saliva also helps the mouth maintain a more neutral pH and protect the teeth.
Teeth are for Chewing, Not Opening Bottles or Packages!
We know it sounds silly, and we are all guilty of doing this at some point. Stick to using scissors or a bottle opener rather than using your teeth to open stubborn items. It simply takes one bad angle or pressure to cause a loud crack in your pearly whites.
Sealants Can Be Defensive
Typically, sealants are used in children as they learn about good dental care, but any patient can benefit from dental sealants. These transparent coverings are placed on the tooth surface and serve as a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the grooves between teeth. Remember, stuck bacteria become stuck plaques so sealants provide a great defense.
Let Us Help You!
Dr. Leah Dunn and her staff are at your service. Dr. Dunn has been serving the Hattiesburg community since 2020, and Lamar Dental was established in 2022 in order to provide you with the best dental care in Hattiesburg and beyond. Our services include regular dental check-ups, emergency dental exams, extractions, cosmetic dentistry, and many more. If you find yourself in a dental emergency, please call us at (601) 402-7986 or book online at our website.
0 comments on “8 Effective Tips to Prevent a Dental Emergency”